Lucknow: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said India has maintained a “balanced and composed” diplomatic approach in the ongoing West Asia crisis and maintained strong ties with all sides despite escalating tensions among the major international players.His remark came hours after the US and Iran peace talks failed in Islamabad.Speaking at a public dialogue programme in Lucknow, Rajnath said attacks on US-linked military bases in Gulf countries reflect the seriousness of the crisis and the uncertainty surrounding it.“In such a complex situation, if any country has acted in a truly balanced manner, it is India,” he said, underlining the country’s diplomatic maturity.He emphasized that India has managed to maintain cordial ties with both Washington and Tehran, a factor that has helped safeguard its strategic and economic interests.Referring to maritime challenges in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, the defence minister said Indian oil tankers have continued operations despite tensions, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic engagement.Rajnath also linked this balanced foreign policy to domestic stability, citing how India avoided severe disruptions during the global LPG energy crisis. While many countries faced sharp price hikes and shortages, he said India managed the situation without allowing significant escalation in prices.“Prices increased worldwide, but we ensured that the burden on Indian citizens was minimised,” he said, crediting timely govt intervention and strategic decisions.Rajnath acknowledged that uncertainty continues to loom over West Asia, with no clear timeline for the crisis to end.“Even in conditions of uncertainty, India is playing the role expected of a mature and responsible nation,” he said, adding that such balanced diplomacy was not accidental but the result of years of consistent engagement and credibility-building on the global stage.
